LOUISVILLE, KY (ELCA) -- Communication efforts of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America were recognized by the Religious Public Relations Council and the Associated Church Press.
Ten DeRose-Hinkhouse awards were given to ELCA communicators at the annual convention of the Religious Public Relations Council (RPRC), held here April 23-25. The award recognizes work of the 500 RPRC members in the United States and Canada in print, audiovisual and video media, public relations and special projects.
"Award of Excellence" went to Tim Frakes for "Weaving a Global Neighborhood with Rick Steves," an ELCA video documentary, and to Susan Greeley for "Lutheran Vespers -- The Sixth Commandment: Right, Wrong and Renewal." Lutheran Vespers is a radio ministry of the ELCA hosted by the Rev. Walter M. Wangerin Jr. Frakes and Greeley are on the staff of the ELCA's Department for Communication.
"Award of Excellence" also went to Nancy Stelling and Susan Edison-Swift for "About the Bible," a series featured in "Lutheran Women Today," a magazine of Women of the ELCA.
An "Award of Merit" went to Laurel Hensel, ELCA Department for communication, for a "Lutheran World Federation" poster. Also receiving awards of merit were the book, "God's Story Is My Story," and "MOSAIC" video magazine, both produced by the ELCA Department for Communication. Awards of Merit also went to "Women of the ELCA Interchange" newsletter; the Rev. Marguerite M. Rourk, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, S.C. for "Hearts and Minds in Christ Jesus" brochure; and Frederick H. Gonnerman, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., for "Advent Devotional Booklet" and "Annual Report 1997."
At the convention, RPRC members voted to change the "Religious Public Relations Council" to Religion Communicators Council" with the acronym "RCC." Members also adopted a 1999 projected budget of $111,900. The 1999 convention is set for March 18-20 in Washington, D.C.
RPRC promotes high standards for religious public relations and communications and provides training and continuing education. Founded in 1929, it is the nation's oldest public relations association.
ELCA efforts also won 12 awards at the annual convention of the Associated Church Press (ACP), held April 19-22 in Hendersonville, N.C. The ACP, which encompasses more than 200 religious publications, presented awards for writing, editing, graphics, design and electronic publishing.
"The Lutheran" magazine of the ELCA received six awards, one "Award for Excellence" and five Honorable Mentions. "The Lutheran" was recognized as the "best denominational general interest magazine." It received Honorable Mentions for best topic of the year, web site, humor, in-depth coverage and convention or meeting coverage. The magazine's editor is the Rev. Edgar R. Trexler.
"Seeds for the Parish," a resource publication for ELCA congregation leaders, edited by Elizabeth M. Hunter, received an "Award of Merit" and an Honorable Mention. "Lutheran Woman Today," edited by Nancy J. Stelling, received two awards of merit. Other winners include: "The Southern Bulletin," Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, S.C., Honorable Mention, and "Lutheran Partners" magazine, "Poetry Award of Merit" for "Snowfall."
The 1999 ACP convention will take place April 18-21 in Portland, Ore.
For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
